Kilinochchi: The Heart of Healing and Hope

After three days here I am confinced that Sri Lanka is the birthplace of Hospitality. From making sure I got on the right train, to SL women making sure I had snacks on the journey to amaamma (grandmother) making sure we had tea and something in our bellies before our 6 AM departure this morning.

I have spent the last two days in Kilinochchi. Kilinichchi is in northern SL and few tourists would make their way up here to visit except to see remnants of the civil war, most of which the government has wiped out. There is nothing fancy here. No high end hotels, no ocean views, just the hospitality and warmth of the Tamil people - which is more than enough.

Diane's friend, Rev. Joshua, lives here. He was the pastor of a church in Jaffna when she lived here.  He is now back in Kilinochchi and has estblished the Kaveri Kalal Manram, an organization that helps rebuild the lives of this area through women's empowerment, establishing organic gardens coconut plantatiins and other sustainable projects.  The goal is to reestablish the resources (farm knowledge, seeds, confidence) that have been wiped out from the war. Diane and I had the chance to visit some of these projects and it was very exciting.  We also got see new born baby goats (2 hours old) which if you know me- know that was a real high light!  Yesterday we relaxed, but not too much.  Rev. Joshua put us to work helping write a grant to help fund a sustainable coconut plantation for communities affected by leprosy.  I have learned that leprosy is on the rise here and unfortunately the SL refuses to acknowledge the problem. Sad for many resons, as there is a cure.  I also learned that the coconut economy is so important SL has an entire ministry dedicated to it: The Sri Lanka Coconut Authority.  no kidding!

We ended our time here with watching the local children perform in their monthly dance recital. Sweet bread filled with a coconut mixture and tea was offered to the guests and Diane and I watched in amazement as the kids- dressed in traditional colorful SL attire, powerfully, yet gracefully hit their feet against the floor. Im certain I would stub my toe!

So now we are off to Sigiriya to climb a rock fortress! We do so by way of a private driver, a young Hindu man by the of Kajan, who we are certain does not know what he's gotten himself into. He will be with us the next three days as we make our way south to Tangalle.  I have no doubt more adventures are in store!